CINCINNATI, Ohio – Chaos erupted at The Banks in Cincinnati on Sunday night as police responded to a gathering of over 300 teenagers at Smale Park. Reports of large groups of teens coming together began at 8:30 p.m., as per the Cincinnati Police Department.
A video posted on the Cincinnati FOP Facebook page captured the tense scene as teens spilled into the street near the park and the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. In the footage, two teens can be seen engaging in a physical altercation, while numerous others looked on, shouting and creating a commotion.
The situation escalated as the crowd shifted towards a car on the street, surrounding it as it attempted to navigate away from the fight. Amidst the escalating tensions, the sound of what appeared to be a stun gun or Taser caused the teens to scatter and scream, fleeing in different directions.
According to authorities, one individual was taken into custody following the altercation. The police’s efforts to disperse the large group of teenagers led them towards Fountain Square, where a few more individuals were arrested on charges of disorderly conduct within the sizable gathering.
Reflecting on the incident, FOP president Ken Kober expressed concerns about the youth involved not feeling accountable for their actions, highlighting the need for consequences to deter such behavior. Retired officer Dan Hils echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of instilling structure and accountability, both at home and within the justice system.
Kober emphasized the role of parents in ensuring accountability for their children’s actions, urging for parental responsibility in addition to penalties for the involved minors. The challenges posed by a lack of consequences and supervision were underscored in the aftermath of the altercation, raising questions about community support and guidance for troubled youth.